Hearth and Home
“There’s no place like home” is a old expression probably made popular with Dorothy’s famous lines in The Wizard of Oz. But, you know what? In the real world of the here and now … well, it is absolutely TRUE! There is no place like our own home, be it ever so humble. I don’t care if you live in a mansion, a bungalow, a cabin, a mobile home or a tree house, our home is where we ‘hang our hearts’. Or at least it should be.
Our homes should be the place we can come to find peace and refuge from the world. Our homes should have a mixture of wonderful things – like laughter bouncing off the walls, ‘I love yous’ echoing down the halls, poignant and heartfelt conversation sashaying through the rooms, with peace and contentment reigning throughout. Our homes should be a place where God and Jesus feel right at home … a place where, if they knocked on our door, we’d say – “come and make yourself at home!”
We’re not just speaking physically here – although lots will be said about clutter and the chaos syndrome contrasting that with neatness and orderliness. I am not necessarily meaning the comfy furniture and interior design of your homes – I am really meaning the emotional and mental state of your home. Is your soil a good, healthy soil for growing, nurturing and maintaining souls? This is your own little part of the world, your soil, your turf, your Kingdom! How exciting! Don’t take your responsibility for granted.
Our homes need to be a place where creativity has free reign – where kids and adults can experiment with projects, cooking, writing, painting, constructing, sewing, reading, writing or whatever! Imaginations should be developed and nurtured. Games should be played and fun and frolic should be had every day.
Our homes are where respect is shown and consideration for others nurtured. Homes are not a democratic environment – it is a place where the authority of the Father is expected as the head of the family and the Mother is respected as the heart. Healthy, disciplined lives are lived in happy homes. Chores are a part of every ‘citizen’ in our little kingdom because this is where work ethics originate and are expanded. Obedience is matter-of-course – taught from the cradle up and encouraged.
There are so many things a home should not be – do I even need to go into it? No, I think not – that will for another time but the bottom line here is: our home should be our own and our family’s ‘haven’. Within these sacred walls – yes, I said sacred, there should be shelter from the storms of the world without. This place is where hearts can be strengthened and sometimes mended. Our home is where character is molded and refined.
So, the question is: as a parent, spouse, or just for yourself, are you doing your part to insure your home is what it ought to be? Each of us need to have the spot we call “home”. We’ll be talking about this now and again and you’ll see – there’s so many ways to create a good home – a sustaining home. Don’t worry if you feel you haven’t done this yet – I am all about new beginnings.
You can start right now, today … create a home that is truly a Masterpiece! This is going to be great!
for excellent resources you can go to: Your Ninth Hour
